Steven R. Grossman, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed the deputy director of Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center. This new position was added to support the continuation of Massey’s upward trajectory and considerable growth over the last few years. As deputy director, Grossman will lead the planning and development of disease-specific scientific research groups; oversee clinical oncology interactions; and develop strategic initiatives in new multidisciplinary research areas.

Cancer screening can improve the length and quality of life, but the average American receives only half of recommended cancer preventive services. Massey researchers will conduct a new study supported by a multi-year, multi-phase grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to measure whether making personal health records with higher functionality available to primary care physicians and patients promotes shared health decision-making and increases the delivery of cancer screening.

VCU Massey Cancer Center is the first cancer care provider in the Richmond metropolitan region to offer radium-223, an innovative, new drug that has been shown to increase survival and quality of life in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Radium-223 is given intravenously once a month for six months. The treatment is considered to be safe and manageable for both patients and providers and is covered by Medicare.

Mark G. Malkin, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., F.A.A.N., joins Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Cancer Center as professor of neurology and the Richmond area’s only board-certified neuro-oncologist. Only 1 percent of neurologists in the country specialize in the treatment of neurological cancers, or neuro-oncology, and Malkin joins Asadulah Khan, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and Massey, as a fellowship-trained neuro-oncologist.

As part of their routine health care, women of all ages should be familiar with their bodies. Being aware of breast changes is especially important because many breast cancers are found by women themselves. To promote breast self-awareness, many advocacy groups encourage breast self-exams (BSE) on a routine basis. So, how do you properly perform a BSE and what should you look for?